Pearse Square facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pearse Square |
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Pearse Square, November 2017
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| Location | Dublin, Ireland |
| Area | 1.35 acres |
| Created | 1839 |
| Operated by | Dublin City Council |
Pearse Square (also known as Irish: Cearnóg an Phiarsaigh in Irish) is a beautiful garden square in the heart of Dublin, Ireland. It's designed in the Georgian style, which was popular a long time ago. You can find it right next to Pearse Street.
Contents
A Look Back: History of Pearse Square
How Pearse Square Began
Pearse Square was first built between 1838 and 1855. It has 48 houses and was originally called Queen's Square. This name honored Queen Victoria, who had just become the Queen of Britain.
From Private Park to Public Space
The park in the middle of the square was once privately owned. But in the late 1880s, the city government, then called Dublin Corporation, bought it for £200. They added a bandstand and made it a lovely Victorian "pleasure garden." This new public park opened on April 23, 1889.
A New Name for a New Era
In 1926, the square got a new name: Pearse Square. This was to honor Patrick Pearse, an important Irish political activist. In the 1940s, the park was updated again. It got a playground and a sports area with tarmac for games.
A Home for Performers
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, many actors lived in Pearse Square. It was a great spot for them because it was close to two famous theaters: the Queen's Royal Theatre on Pearse Street and the Theatre Royal on Hawkins Street.
Community Events at the Square
Pearse Square has also been a place for fun community events. For example, the Dublin South Docks Festival Fair has been held there.
Understanding the Design of Pearse Square
The Houses and the Park
The houses around Pearse Square are two stories tall, with a basement level below. The park in the center is about 0.5 hectares (or 1.24 acres) in size.
Special Features of the Park
Inside the park, you'll find paths shaped like a cross. These paths are made with Wicklow granite, a special stone from Ireland.
Built on Reclaimed Land
Both Pearse Street and Pearse Square were built on land that was once part of the River Liffey. This means the land was "reclaimed" or taken back from the river. Because of this, the area can sometimes experience flooding.
Modern Updates: Refurbishment of Pearse Square
Funding for Renovation
In 1991, the Parks Division of Dublin City Council wanted to make the square even better. They asked the European Union (EU) for money to help renovate it. Even though the EU didn't provide funding, the Council decided to pay for the improvements themselves.
A New Look for the Park
In 1996, the Council spent £100,000 to refurbish the square. The new design was based on an old map from 1838, bringing back some of its original formal look.
Reopening and New Art
The newly renovated square was officially reopened on July 2, 1998. The Lord Mayor of Dublin at the time, John Stafford, was there for the ceremony. A special feature of the park is a 3.5-meter tall bronze sculpture called "Harmony." Artist Sandra Bell created it, inspired by stories from the people who live in Pearse Square.
